The 2018 Belmont Stakes featured a tightly contested field where post position choices played a visible role in race dynamics. Bettors and racing fans alike studied the draw to gauge how each stall might influence pace, rail traffic, and closing strategy.
This article breaks down the 2018 Belmont Stakes post positions table and explains how positioning shaped that year’s tactical story on the track.
| Post Position | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Post Position Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Justify | Mike Smith | Bob Baffert | Wide outside, clear view, needed early speed |
| 2 | Tacitus | Jose Lezcano | Claude McGaughey | Second post, strong early positioning option |
| 6 | Bravazo | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher | Inside path, mid-pack start, tactical flexibility |
| 8 | Hofburg | Irad Ortiz Jr. | William Mott | Outside post, often targeted for late closing |
| 12 | Restoring Hope | Joel Rosario | Bob Baffert | Very wide, required strong acceleration to reach leaders |
How The Belmont Post Positions Were Drawn
The 2018 Belmont Stakes post position draw followed standard Graded Stakes procedures with a timed doortra pull. Entries were loaded sequentially, and the visual reveal allowed instant analysis of how each horse might engage with the rail, fence, and rivals in close quarters.
Post Position Betting Lines At The 2018 Belmont Stakes
Market Reaction To The Draw
Betting windows opened shortly after the draw, with favorites and relays adjusting to the exact stall assignments. Posts hugging the rail generally saw tighter win pools, while extreme posts attracted exacta and trifecta traffic looking for gate-to-wire angles.
Tactical Approaches Linked To Each Post
Inside Posts Pursuing Early Lead
Horses drawn posts 2 through 5 had clear paths to contest the lead near the turn, and several contenders were sent to the front from these positions to dictate early fractions.
Outside Posts Planning Late Runs
Posts 8 through 12 typically required either exceptional closing speed or tactical patience, with connections often planning to wait for a opening down the lane rather than challenge traffic early.
Key Takeaways On Post Positions At The 2018 Belmont Stakes
- Review the timed doortra pull to understand each horse’s starting stall.
- Consider rail proximity when modeling early pace scenarios.
- Factor in each horse’s turning profile and turning fraction needs.
- Track late market moves as the field loads and post par times emerge.
FAQ
Reader questions
Did draw position decide the winner in 2018?
No, while post position influences pace and angles, Justify’s draw offered tactical options that fit his class and early speed, but the outcome was determined by his response and that of rivals.
Which post position is typically most favorable at Belmont?
Posts around 4 to 6 historically offer a balance of access to the rail and room to maneuver, enabling both early positioning and late responses without heavy traffic interference.
How did outside posts perform in the 2018 edition?
The very wide posts required stronger closing runs, and while a couple managed late charges, they faced the challenge of covering extra ground while navigating converging horses.
Can post position affect pace scenarios at Belmont?
Yes, stalls drawn closer to the rail often encourage pace-setter behavior, whereas outside posts may invite longer-window speed duels and alter how fractions unfold.